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Friday, February 22, 2013

Steelhead Fly Selection

I can't seem to get fly design out of my head...

Use the
right flies for winter steelhead and catch more? Some guides will tell you the
fly doesn't matter. When a steelhead wants to eat your fly it will. I like to
optimize the visibility of my fly and consider other environmental factors when
it comes to fly selection.

First,
bright fish in warmer water will hit most any fly. Give them a highly visible
pattern in green water that has movement and draw. As water drops and clears
fish move more slowly into a river system. Darker fish that have been in the
river a while are often the only ones around. Low clear cold conditions slow
down migration. For these fish that have been there a while go with darker
patterns. Black/blue, black/red, purple are more likely producers in this water
scenario.

What ever
fly you choose, pick one you are confident in. A fly that has movement and
profile for winter waters are often best producers.

About Me

Water Time Outfitters is an Oregon based business operating on Oregon's finest rivers. We are a combination of Oregon guys born and raised and still loving what we do after over 20 years of it! Owner Rob Crandall started years ago teaching classes and schools with some of Oregon's finest instructors his ongoing love of fly fishing is evident. Rob has been a licensed Oregon fishing guide since 1992. He grew up on the banks of the Clackamas River. You may have seen him on a number of different shows with Flyfish TV or Columbia Country TV. Rob is also the past editor of Flyfishing & Tying Journal magazine. Guiding, teaching or tying flies Rob loves to share his knowledge with others passionate about the sport.
The entire crew of guides at Water Time Outfitters look forward to the opportunity to share our favorite waters with you. Meet Rob Crandall, Gil Muhleman, Kenny Kiley, Todd Rettmann, Marc Williamson and Marty Smith.